Abstract

CARIAS, Diamela et al. Biochemical indicators of the nutritional status of pre-university adolescents of Caracas. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2009, vol.22, n.1, pp.12-19. ISSN 0798-0752.

The nutritional status of 94 apparently healthy high school students (15 to 18 years old), entering a preuniversity course at the Universidad Simón Bolívar was evaluated. After a written consent of their representatives was obtained, the weight and height of these students was measured and a blood sample was collected. Hematocrit and haemoglobin were determined in whole blood whereas circulating glucose, triglycerides, total and fractionated cholesterol, iron, ferritin as well as vitamins A and E were determined in the serum. The results showed that according to BMI cut off points, 17% of the students were overweight, 12% were obese and only 4% showed evidence of nutritional deficit. Anemia affected 5% of the adolescents whereas 10% and 17% had low circulating iron and ferritin respectively. Low levels of iron status indicators reached 28% in the females. In addition, 18% had low vitamin E levels. In general, the students showed no risk of cardiovascular disease however, 16% of the population had low levels of HDL and despite their young age 33% had at least one risk factor, suggesting a potential risk at an older age. The study showed that among these adolescents there was a group exhibiting overweight as well as signs of nutritional deficiencies.

Keywords : adolescents; nutritional status; micronutrients; lipid profiles.